North Melbourne has held on to win a tight battle in the first AFLW Elimination Final, defeating Collingwood by two points.
It was a back and forth encounter, highlighting just how far the competition has come in four years with high skills and a fast pace. The Kangaroos kicked the only goal of the final quarter to win 34-32.
The Roos came in on a five-game winning streak and full of steam, but the Magpies’ form was quietly just as good, despite sitting fourth in Conference B.
They came out flying too, leading the Kangaroos by 10 points at half time, thanks to some class from Chloe Molloy inside 50, kicking one of the goals of the year before the long break.
However, the North Melbourne leaders stood up in the second half, with Jasmine Garner and Emma Kearney in particular the key players.
North Melbourne’s midfield quarter of Garner, Kearney, Ash Riddell and Jenna Bruton have dominated this season, finishing atop the club’s coaches votes in all of their wins.
However, it was the Collingwood quartet of Jaimee Lambert, Brianna Davey, Steph Chiocci and Brittany Bonnici who took control in the midfield and at the very least broke even.
They combined for 79 disposals, something the Roos haven’t had to face much of this year.
Riddell meanwhile showed why she is one of the highest rated young player in the game, having 15 touches to half-time and finishing with 22.
Down by two points and with the clock ticking away late in the fourth quarter, the Magpies had opportunities to take the lead, but North’s backline held on and it was fitting that Garner took the intercept contested mark at half back to stifle the final assault.
Garner won the AFL Coaches Association award last week and goes in as the favourite for the competition B&F.
North Melbourne will face the winner of tomorrow’s Carlton versus Brisbane game next week.
BESTS
North Melbourne: Riddell, Kearney, Ashmore, Garner, Gavalas, Hardiman Collingwood: Davey, Lambert, Bonnici, Membrey, Layton, Chiocci, Molloy